SpaceX CRS-35 Launches Solar Arrays and Science Gear to ISS

Key points

• Liftoff occurred at 6:33 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
• The mission delivers the final pair of Roll-Out Solar Arrays to boost ISS power generation.
• Cargo includes experiments for artificial retinas, 3D heart tissue models, and neurodegenerative disease studies.
• The Dragon spacecraft will dock with the Harmony module on October 15 at 11 a.m. EDT.
• The capsule is scheduled to remain docked until mid-November before returning to Earth.

Background

This launch follows recent SpaceX activities, including a delayed national security mission in September and a Starlink deployment. It is part of NASA's ongoing Commercial Resupply Services contract, which has seen 34 previous missions to the station.

How outlets are covering it

WRAL highlighted the visual spectacle of the launch for North Carolina viewers, noting dozens of photos submitted to their report line. Spaceflight Now and NASA provided detailed technical specifications, emphasizing the scientific payloads and the reuse of booster B1096 for its eighth flight. SpaceX’s official site confirmed the launch site and vehicle but offered less detail on the cargo manifest compared to NASA’s advisory.

Why it matters

The delivery of the final solar arrays is critical for extending the lifespan of the aging International Space Station. The scientific experiments, particularly those involving artificial retinas and heart tissue, aim to advance medical treatments and drug testing capabilities for future deep-space missions.

What to watch

The Dragon spacecraft will dock with the ISS on October 15. It will remain attached for approximately one month before undocking in mid-November to return research samples and cargo to Earth via splashdown off the coast of California.